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Nine months ago, I left the office of Governor in Virginia. I was immensely proud of what we had accomplished. We faced historic challenges and got real results.

Upon leaving office, I committed all my time and energy to Forward Together because we need a new direction in America.

Everywhere I’ve traveled, I found hope that we could turn this country around. That Americans are looking for leaders who at this moment of enormous challenge for our country can actually bring us together and get things done...

But this has also been another kind of journey—one that would lead to a decision as to whether I would seek the Democratic nomination for President.

Late last year, I said to Lisa and my girls, “Let’s go down this path and make a decision around Election Day.”

But there were hiring decisions and people who’ve put their lives on hold waiting to join this effort.

So about a month ago, I told my family and people who know me best that I would make a final decision after Columbus Day weekend, which I was spending with my family. After 67 trips to 28 states and five foreign countries, I have made that decision.

I have decided not to run for President...

I know these moments are never going to come again. This weekend made clear what I’d been thinking about for many weeks—that while politically this appears to be the right time for me to take the plunge—at this point, I want to have a real life.

And while the chance may never come again, I shouldn’t move forward unless I’m willing to put everything else in my life on the back burner.

This has been a difficult decision, but for me, it’s the right decision.

It’s not a decision I have easily reached. I made it after a lot of discussion with my family and a few close friends, and ultimately a lot of reflection, prayer, and soul-searching...

My decision does not in any way diminish my desire to be active in getting our country fixed. It doesn’t mean that I won’t run for public office again.

I want to serve, whether in elective office or in some other way. I’m still excited about the possibilities for the future.

I want to thank the thousands of Americans who have donated to Forward Together, hosted me in their homes, shared their ideas, and given me encouragement.

I also want to thank all of the staff and key advisors at Forward Together who have created a great organization. If we had chosen to go forward, I know they had the skills, talent, and dedication to take us all the way.

And finally, as I have traveled the country, I have been amazed at what pent-up positive energy for change exists...

I think a number of our party’s potential candidates understand that. I think, in fact, we have a strong field. A field of good people. I think they’re all hearing what I heard: that Americans are ready to do their part to get our country fixed. I wish them all well.

"Hi, thanks for stopping by the Forward Together website. While you?re here, I hope you?ll check out some of the information about what we?ve been working on in Virginia over the last four years. As well as some of our ideas of where the country needs to head in the coming months and years.

We?ve just finished a hard campaign with a terrific victory. The win was an affirmation of what we?ve been doing in Virginia over the past four years, with Governor-elect Tim Kaine a partner by my side in that effort. The win was a rejection of the relentless negative campaigning by the other side. What struck me was that 98% of the job of being Governor dealt with things the opposition was not talking about?things like balancing the budget, keeping education fully funded, and grappling with transportation issues. I think Virginians saw that too. The message that won was positive and forward looking, focused on results and solutions.

I?ve still got two months of being Governor in Virginia, and have a few new initiatives and a budget to produce. After I finish this job, I want to be one of the voices that debate where the Democratic Party is headed. I plan on blogging more often too. Again, thanks for checking out Forward Together."